The Los Angeles Lakers picked up Andre Drummond off the buyout market in 2021 and instantly installed him as their starting center. He even opened the first five playoff games against the Suns before being benched in the decisive Game 6, and it has all been downhill from there. Drummond has played for four different teams in the last four years and has seen his playing time steadily decline.
The two-time All-Star may be out of the rotation entirely this season. He is back in Philadelphia for a second straight season with the 76ers. Drummond averaged 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 18.8 minutes per game before missing the final 17 contests with a toe injury. Adem Bona impressed in his absence and will make a push for the backup big man minutes. Joel Embiid’s questionable health may be the only thing that gets Drummond on the floor.
The 32-year-old has been on a steady decline since leaving Cleveland in 2021. Things reached a new low last season, including producing nearly unbelievable on-off numbers. Drummond is past his prime, and things will only get worse.
Andre Drummond is falling apart quickly
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With Drummond on the floor last season, the Sixers had a 106.3 offensive rating, which would have ranked 29th in the NBA over the full season. Their defense with Drummond sat at 121.2, which would have been the worst in the league by nearly two full points per 100 possessions. The result was an abysmal negative-14.9 net rating.
This shouldn’t be shocking. Drummond is a big man of the past. He doesn’t shoot threes and has limited mobility. The 32-year-old can’t protect the rim, but can only play drop coverage. He is a liability on both ends of the floor, and the opposition will attempt to exploit him whenever he is in the game.
The Lakers were wise to move on in 2021. It was clear by the end of the Suns series that he didn’t fit next to Anthony Davis. Drummond declined into a backup big man and now can only be used situationally. The Sixers will overuse him this season as Embiid misses time, and it will be painful. His play and limitations will only get worse from here.
The Los Angeles Lakers added Deandre Ayton to be their starting center this offseason. He is the [best non-Anthony Davis five](https://lakeshowlife.com/deandre-ayton-lakers-best-center-lebron-era-not-close) of the LeBron James era in LA. The Lakers have long overlooked the position, but that [may have finally changed](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-may-stop-short-fully-granting-luka-doncic-wish) with Luka Doncic leading their roster. Fans can only hope.
Supporters should not be surprised to see Andre Drummond's struggles continue. Lakers fans saw it firsthand four years ago. It is the 76ers' problem now. Daryl Morey and company were not eager to see Drummond pick up his $5 million player option this summer, but count it as just another regret. The Lakers wisely moved on quickly and will laugh at this nightmare if they are in title contention. The bullet was certainly dodged by LA.